Becoming a landlord

As an empty home owner you may wish to consider letting your property. There are a number of benefits that letting can bring, including:

• Rental income for the owner once the property is occupied
• The tenant, rather than the owner, is liable for Council Tax
• Occupied property is safer, reducing the risk of break-in, damage and theft of building materials eg roofing slates
• Increasing the number of properties in the district for people to live in

Anyone considering letting out their home must be aware of, and understand, the responsibilities they take on, many of which are legal requirements. You can find more information about these responsibilities on our advice for landlords pages.

You should also be aware that:

• You will need to find a tenant (and for your protection, complete tenant referencing). Tenants find properties through word of mouth, cards in shop windows, newspaper advertising or through a letting agent. Please note that if properties experience a high turnover of tenants it can increase the cost of maintaining the property
• Any income received from letting a property is considered to be taxable income